Norwich hope to beat Tottenham in Hooper chase

The 25-year-old has been the subject of intense interest from the Canaries in recent weeks, but reports have emerged that Tottenham are also keen.

Having had two bids rejected, manager Chris Hughton is hoping to smash the club’s transfer record to bring in Hooper before the month ends.

He is reportedly willing to offer £8m for the Englishman in a desperate bid to add some much-needed firepower to his squad.

Despite a solid start to the season Norwich have netted just 24 goals, a tally only QPR, Aston Villa and Stoke have not yet reached.

Celtic are adamant that they want to keep hold of their star man, but with contract negotiations stalling they may be willing to cash in for the right offer.

Hughton feels that adding a big name striker may give his team just the boost they need ahead of the latter stages of the season:

“It would give us a lift and we’ve been endeavouring to do that.

“It’s very difficult at the moment. People on the outside think it’s very easy to bring in the players you want. It doesn’t work that way. For those of us close to it, we’re aware of everything that goes on.

“Hence, if you look at the strikers who’ve come in, you’ve got to look at the circumstances. That’s generally big fees and big salaries.”

As well as Hooper they are monitoring the situation of Sporting Kansas City hit-man Kei Kamara.